How To Clean A Chandelier When You Have Very High Ceilings

When it comes to vaulted ceilings — those tall and inverted V-shaped ceilings — the possibilities for decor and maintenance are both exciting and intimidating. Cleaning hard-to-reach spots around the house is one of the more difficult tasks when it comes to home upkeep, and it often leaves homeowners at a loss for cleaning their high ceilings. Chandeliers are a popular way to enhance these tall places, but maintaining their cleanliness can deter homeowners from adding them to their decor. Enter: telescopic poles, mops, and an all-purpose cleaner — your ticket to effective chandelier care.

Ceilings are often the most neglected part of even the cleanest of houses, which means the higher the ceilings, the less likely we are to maintain them. To make matters worse, since chandeliers typically contain a boatload of bright lights, it's harder to ignore the dust particles on display. The good news is there are a few productive ways to polish off your high-ceiling chandelier, ensuring you get each and every crevice. 

Believe it or not, it's not just ladders that elevate us to new levels. Much like a vacuum can render hard-to-reach crevices spotless, a telescopic cleaning pole can be extended to reach those tricky spots that typically harbor a majority of the dust and debris. Cleaning poles, like this one from Amazon, come with durable heads that can clean ceilings, lights, walls, and anything else within their reach. From your position on the ground, extend the pole as far as you need (some poles extend to about 20 feet) to dust off debris, target crevices, and leave your chandelier sparkling.

When cleaning your chandelier, it's best to turn the fixture off and use an alternative light nearby. To prevent any safety issues, you should avoid putting the plastic of the pole too close to a heat source, so make sure the chandelier has adequately cooled if it's been on for a long time before cleaning. Telescopic poles are also intended to cover a large amount of surface area at once, ensuring that you won't be cleaning for longer than 15 minutes. It's quick, easy, and cost-efficient.

If cleaning poles aren't your style, there's another alternative that may be lost in your collection of household essentials: a soft cloth and cleaning spray. You'll most likely need a ladder or step stool in order to reach the chandelier before going in with a cleaning spray to cover the surface area of the light (while it's off). Using the cloth, gently go over each section of the chandelier before allowing it to air dry.

It's likely that any cleaning aids with adjustable rods will reach a high-ceiling chandelier, but the results can differ depending on the tool's size, shape, and fabric. Another efficient alternative is to use a mop, which are typically made with long handles, to reach the chandelier. If you're working with a variety of cleaning mechanisms, such as a duster, Swiffer, or mop, start by dusting before going in with other tools. Using a cleaning agent should be your final step.